Shireland Technology Primary has once again been recognised as a Microsoft Elevate Showcase School for the 2026-2027 academic year, highlighting the strength of its teaching and learning and the purposeful use of technology across its curriculum.
The recognition places the technology primary within a select global community of schools recognised for their work in technology-enhanced education. The programme brings together schools from around the world to share effective practice, collaborate with education leaders and explore new approaches to teaching and learning.
For Shireland Technology Primary, the recognition follows a journey that began when the school joined the programme as an Incubator School. Over the past five years, it has continued to invest in technology, staff development and innovation, while keeping the curriculum and pupils’ learning and development at the heart of its approach.
Technology is integrated into lessons where it can broaden experiences, support understanding and give pupils new ways to explore and demonstrate their learning. Pupils can travel back in time through the school’s immersive room, programme robots to solve problems and create digital animations to retell stories, using technology alongside more traditional approaches to apply their knowledge and develop their ideas.
This is underpinned by the school’s framework for digital learning, which focuses on digital literacy, digital citizenship and technological skills. Pupils also develop the confidence to use technology safely and responsibly; applying digital tools creatively.
The school’s approach also places a strong emphasis on balance. Practical activities, discussion, collaboration and learning away from screens remain central to the school day, with technology used as one of a range of tools available to support teaching and learning. Classrooms are equipped with interactive smartboards, laptops and audio-visual technology, giving pupils opportunities to work creatively, tackle real-world challenges and share their learning.
Lady Kirsty Grundy, Executive Principal of Shireland Technology Primary and Director of Primary Education at Shireland Collegiate Academy Trust, said: “We are incredibly proud to be recognised as a Microsoft Elevate Showcase School for a second consecutive year. It’s a real reflection of the ambition, creativity and professional expertise of our staff, and the enthusiasm our pupils bring to their learning every day.
“Being part of the Microsoft Elevate Showcase Schools community also gives us a valuable opportunity to learn from others, share our own practice and continue to challenge ourselves to improve. We’re proud of what our school community has achieved and excited about where this next year will take us.”
Alongside its investment in technology, the school continues to develop the expertise of its staff. A number of teachers have achieved Microsoft Educator Expert and Certified Expert accreditations through the programme, providing opportunities to connect with education technology specialists and share expertise beyond the school.
The work at Shireland Technology Primary also builds on the experience of Shireland Collegiate Academy, the Trust’s founding secondary school. The Academy has also been recognised as a Microsoft Elevate Showcase School for its use of educational technology to support teaching and learning, improve efficiency and prepare students for an increasingly digital world.
